Guinea-Bissau Votes on Constitution Expanding Presidential Powers

Guinea-Bissau began voting Sunday on a constitution approved by the military-appointed National Transitional Council that would give the presidency greater authority over the prime minister. The proposal would cut parliament from 102 to 65 seats, and authorities say clearer presidential supremacy could reduce recurring institutional conflict. Nearly 915,000 voters are registered in the country of about 2.2 million people. The PAIGC has called for a boycott, arguing the transition authorities lack legitimacy and political activity has been restricted, while presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for December 6.